Productivity

The ABCs of Behavior Change (TM) – for habits that stick

 

Let me state for the record that though there is a huge focus on making resolutions, I think the new year is one of the toughest times to adopt a new behavior. Many of us have just come through holidays when schedules were thrown to the wind, indulgences beckoned at every turn, and in the northern hemisphere, the days were dark and cold. There is less energy and momentum for the kinds of changes that people generally like to make which are most often about health and self-improvement.1 On top of that, we just have just come through 2020, the year which seemed to laugh in the face of goal setting.

That said, a recent survey reveals 74% of adult Americans are starting the year off with a resolution (up 15% from the year prior), and a full 55% think they will follow through.2 While 77% of people can make the desired change for a week, research shows only 19% of people can hold onto their changes for two years.3 Not surprisingly, both the percentage of people who make resolutions and the conviction in upholding them both decline with age.4

There are excellent books on the topic of making a habit stick, such as Charles Duhigg’s The Power of Habit which analyzes the process of habit, and more recently, James Clear’s Atomic Habits, with steps for each part of the habit loop. To summarize, you need a trigger that is obvious, a desire to engage in the act, a low barrier to action, and gratification upon completion.

Through coaching hundreds of people wanting to be either more organized or more productive, I noticed challenges in a slightly different way and offer a model to help, The ABCs of Behavior Change™. It offers five progressive steps to bring more commitment to the change you want to make and set you up for success.

Before getting into the techniques of implementing a specific change we must connect deeply with why it matters. If that connection to reason is missing, you might get started on a change due to some external motivation, and this may be enough for some people who fall into Gretchen Rubin’s tendencies driven by others’ expectations (read Gretchen’s book The Four Tendencies for more on this), but it may not enough to make it stick for the long term. Let’s dive in!

 

The ABCs of Behavior Change

A – Acknowledge

Acknowledge and accept the advantage the change will bring you. If you are still doubting, dig deeper to understand how the action will really help you. Do you truly buy into the benefit? What other questions need answering?

 

B – Believe

Believe that you are worth it. Making a change might mean putting yourself first and setting boundaries. For some, this is very uncomfortable. Are you ready to dance in discomfort? Can you give yourself permission to take action?

 

C – Cultivate

Cultivate an environment that encourages and supports you in making the change. This includes your physical environment and the people around you. Do you feel supported? Will you ask for what you need?

 

D – Defend

Defend, with grace, the boundaries you rely on to follow through on the change. Play with and practice respectful language to help others understand your priorities. Become more and more comfortable saying no. How will you play a graceful defense?

 

E – Engage

Engage deeply in the moment you complete the action. Note how you feel physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Let the positive feelings you discover be your intrinsic motivation inspire you to take action again. Will you stop and tune in?

 

Move through each of these steps to build a happy habit – one that you look forward to completing. If for some reason you break the chain, engage in this bonus step.

F – Forgive

Forgive yourself for not sticking to the change you wanted to make, but don’t stop there. Figure out which one of the first five steps wasn’t setting you up for success. Go back to that step, re-examine it, reconnect with it or adjust and move forward.

 

SOURCES

  1. Top New Year resolutions

The data is based on an online survey of 1,790 US adults born between 1928 to 2002 commissioned by Finder and conducted by Pureprofile in September 2020. Participants were paid volunteers.

New Year’s resolution statistics

  1. Percent making resolutions

https://www.finder.com/new-years-resolution-statistics

 

  1. New Year resolution failure rate

Norcross, J C, and D J Vangarelli. “The resolution solution: longitudinal examination of New Year’s change attempts.” Journal of substance abuse vol. 1,2 (1988): 127-34. doi:10.1016/s0899-3289(88)80016-6

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2980864/

 

 

  1. New Year Resolutions and Conviction by Generation

New Year’s resolution statistics

 

If you’re looking for support in making a change, I offer private and group coaching for individuals and leaders.  I invite you to book a call with me to explore.

3 Ways to Keep Your Mindset Strong Through the Fall and Winter

This is a sponsored post. Opinions, as always, are my own.

With winter around the corner and Covid-19 restrictions increasing in many places, if you want to feel as productive and calm as possible this season, you’ll want to do everything you can to keep your mindset strong. In fact, I consider mindset Productivity Table Stake number one. If you can hold onto a positive outlook, you can more easily maintain your commitment to the intentions you have set for yourself. If you lose positivity, you may find yourself spiraling in a negative direction.

Here are a few things you can do to keep your mindset strong even though the weather and the crisis we find ourselves in might be pulling you down.

  1. Fight the effects of low light

Happy Light therapy lamp from Verilux

According to the Canadian Association of Mental Health (CAMH), severe Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects up to 15% of people, with 2-3% suffering severe symptoms. You might know it as the “Winter Blues”. SAD can cause depression, lethargy, and anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure). It also contributes to weight gain as we look for alternative sources of serotonin to boost our mood…which may explain the search for sourdough in the absence of sunlight. It’s more common in adults than kids, though starts to wane after age 50 (yay!), and it affects women a whopping 9 times more than men.

I’ve been looking for strategies to counter the effects since my 20’s and since my number one plan of travelling to a sunny spot is foiled this year, I am committing to something that has helped me immensely over the past few years: light therapy. My exploration of light therapy actually began in late 1994. I returned to Toronto after almost a year of travel around the world, predominantly in sun-filled locations like Hawaii, Australia, South-East Asia, and India. November in Toronto is traditionally gloomy and grey. The leaves have fallen and there is not yet snow on the ground to brighten up the landscape, nor the sparkly lights of the coming festive season. Downtown especially, the ground blends with the stone buildings which soar upwards to mix with the bland sky. Finding myself in a new job (which admittedly was not right for me), I found my energy depleting and began looking for strategies to help. I tried relaxation therapy, which felt quite good but did not really bring back my mojo, and then stumbled upon a University of Toronto study for light therapy.

I brought home a rather large light fixture and for two weeks, every morning at 6:30 am, before heading downtown to the office, I sat in my dark dining room under a wide fluorescent bulb dosing on full-spectrum light for half an hour. It was uncomfortably bright given the contrast in the room and you couldn’t really do anything else but sit there.

Fast forward to today, and not only has light therapy has now been proven as a successful remedy to counter SAD and the Winter Blues, but it is also much easier to integrate into your life. Please note though that it is a therapy and as such you will want to discuss it with your health professional. There are conditions that do not benefit from dosing in extra light such as bipolar disorder and skin or eye sensitivities. The Mayo Clinic has a helpful article on considerations.

For several years I have used light therapy lamps from Verilux. My current model is a slim, LED, full-spectrum light that doses 10,000 lux in half an hour if you’re sitting within 24 inches of the lamp. It fits in about the size of a postcard and now that the lamp is an LED, it packs flat and is sturdy enough to travel well so you easily take it with you.

Place the light to the side and sit within 24 inches of the light. You are not meant to look directly into the light. Controls offer the ability to dim the light to a more comfortable intensity and color, but be aware you may need to spend longer time bathing to have the same results. Experiment with the settings to find the most comfortable practice for you.  The dimmer the light, the longer you might need it to be on. A timer has been included in the latest model to help you manage your dosing.

I used to want to crawl into bed around 6:30 pm every night when I got home from work. The lamp made such a difference to my energy level that I was able to travel to the gym for an evening yoga class.

In addition to a light lamp, I encourage fitting in daylight walks and seeking out brighter places to sit when indoors. Poorly lit basement offices may indeed be bringing you down.

 

  1. Reduce known stressors – Hold onto peace of mind with protection from identity theft

Woman using smart phone in cafe. hand holding smart phone white screen
Image: Telus

With so much to worry about already, it’s important to act where we can. Statscan says 42% of Canadians report at least one cyber-security incident since the start of the pandemic1, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre tallies the financial impact of fraud year-to-date in Canada to be over $67 million.2  Canadians are not only spending more time online, they are doing a wider variety of things there. In June 2020, the Canadian government urged Canadians to take action to be more secure. According to new research, while about 90% of Canadians think internet safety is an issue, only 18% are doing something about it.3

Telus Online Security has partnered with Norton Lifelock to bring Canadians a suite of new tools to help prevent cybersecurity issues, in a multi-layered approach. Tools include device protection, the provisioning of a virtual private network (VPN) which lets you drive on your own highway so-to-speak making sure transactions are safe even if you’re on public wi-fi. Identity theft protection is what caught my eye as I recently found fraud on my credit card. Not only is your credit monitored, but additional support is also available from a Restoration Agent to help you problem-solve if you do get attacked. They can help you and even take over phone calls to sort out the mess freeing up your time to do other things.

Dark Web Notification
Dark Web Notification alerting me to a potential data exposure

There are a variety of levels of service from $6 per month (for device protection) through $30 per month for greater protections and a larger number of devices (pricing as at November 2020). It is important to note that this service does not guarantee protection, rather it offers multiple tools to mitigate the very real threats. It is one simple step you can take to reduce worry and preserve mindset.

 

  1. Use colour to boost your energy, and the energy of those around you

Have you noticed different colours affect your mood? Science shows that colour can affect performance in a variety of ways:

  • Taking a test after seeing red can improve accuracy, while blue boosts creativity.4
  • Pills of warm colours had a stimulating effect. Cool colours had a relaxing influence. 5

Tip 1 – Bring colour into your environment

I painted my wall pink last year and it gives me a lift every time I see it. It seems to be a hit with others as well since March when all my segments and presentations went virtual. I’ve even got clients because of it. Bathe in your favourite colour.

Theo, one of my two polydactyls loves posing! I think this is the third set 0f tv segments he’s appeared in. Paint colour: Peony by Benjamin Moore

 

Tip 2 – Bring colour into your wardrobe

I realized over ten years ago that when I wore bold colours that suited me, they seemed to have a positive effect on the people around me. This coincided with the start of regular television appearances. Take a look at a tv audience sometime and you’ll notice the producers will invite people with solid, bold colours to fill the frame for they are compelling on camera.

The powerful side effect of wearing distinct colours that suit you is that it makes you memorable. See how beautifully a client of mine, ghostwriter, and mental health speaker Cindy Tschosik, does it in her richly coloured magenta top. Cindy is getting loads of compliments on her bold purple wall.

Ghostwriter and Mental Health speaker, Cindy Tschosik rocking a magenta top in front of her bold purple wall.

And your accessories…

Fellow speaker, Emily Nichols, indulging me as I tripped out on finding glasses to match my coat!

One day last year I stumbled upon a store from Australian-based Dresden Vision in Toronto, one of a handful of physical stores in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Don’t worry, they have International shopping online. The colourful window display instantly made me curious. I went in and bought four pairs on the spot. Why? They make very affordable frames (from $59 for simple prescription lenses) and arms variety of colours…which can be mixed and matched! I was over-the-top excited. Prices are kept down because they offer one widely flattering style of frame in four sizes. With 16 standard colours plus occasional limited and blended colour editions, you can coordinate with any outfit. They also have the lens cutting machine and an optician right in the store making same day availability a possibility. No hiding behind white lab coats and sending glasses away.

Frame and arm colours currently offered by Dresden Vision.

Parents, these glasses are incredibly sturdy and come with a lifetime warranty making them an excellent solution for kids. Note – I have quite a small head and wear the XS frames for my glasses and a S frame for my sunglasses.

Dresden Vision kindly provided me with a few more colours and frames to play with. So appreciated because it seems these days I need a pair in every room!

 

SOURCES

  1. Statistics Canada, “Canadians spend more money and time online during pandemic and over two-fifths report a cyber incident,”
    https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/201014/dq201014a-eng.htm
  2. Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
    https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
  3. Angus Reid report commissioned by TELUS
  4. Colour and performance
    Mehta R, Zhu RJ. Blue or red? Exploring the effect of color on cognitive task performances. Science. 2009 Feb 27;323(5918):1226-9. doi: 10.1126/science.1169144. Epub 2009 Feb 5. PMID: 19197022.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19197022/
  5. Effect of colour of drugs
    de Craen AJ, Roos PJ, de Vries AL, Kleijnen J. Effect of colour of drugs: systematic review of perceived effect of drugs and of their effectiveness. BMJ. 1996;313(7072):1624-1626. doi:10.1136/bmj.313.7072.1624
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2359128/

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If you or someone you know is struggling to feel calm and productive working from home, please check out the free resources and online program I created for you here.
I also have a few spots open for private group coaching for individuals and leaders. I invite you to book a call with me to find out more.

How to find more productive places to work from home

Rolling cart by kitchen table as desk

(This post is sponsored by Samsung Canada and Staples Canada. All opinions – and the cat – are my own.)

With more people working and studying from home because of the pandemic, our home study spaces can be seriously under pressure. Nothing is more stressful than having everyone dive into the office for the coveted, quiet spot in the house at the same time.

I’ve got three tips for you to take the pressure off! Better understanding what each person has to do should help you expand the variety of suitable places to work in your home and help confirm the need for any additional furniture or technology to support you.

Step One – Complete a task audit.

Take some time to think through each person’s commitments and specifically what kinds of activities they will undertake. It can be helpful to think through these tasks in three categories:

a) Consumption – Taking in new information by reading, listening, or watching.

b) Creation – Making new works on a computer or with paper, music, food, or other materials

c) Collaboration – Working with others

Prepare an inventory of all tasks including such activities such as attending online classes, reviewing notes, drawing, colouring, podcasting, writing on a whiteboard, reading, and meeting with others (virtually or socially distanced), and of course, mind wandering.

For each task, identify the technology or materials that will support you in accomplishing your task. Technology is always innovating and often the improvements can drive a significant productivity boost. Samsung Canada sent me two products in their lineup to try out.

A more powerful tablet

It used to be that tablets were ideal for consuming information but a challenge when it came to creating. Since my first tablet, about ten years ago, tablets have evolved dramatically. I remember feeling so liberated by the tablet which I could use while reclining after a car accident left me unable to sit at my desk for the second half of the day. But there was a lot I couldn’t do.

Clare sitting on sofa using Samsung tablet with S pen

The brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ with its 12.4-inch display (and its smaller 11-inch sister, the Galaxy Tab S7) combines the power of a pc with the portability of a tablet. To be released in Canada on September 18th, 2020 both tablets will be available just as classes are starting across the country.

 

Tablet showing a written description of the benefits of the S pen - low latency, helpful haptic and precision point

Both versions come with an “S” pen, which Samsung also refers to as a “magic wand”. That made me curious! Since high school, I have enjoyed hand-writing my notes but so far haven’t tried an electronic solution that felt as comfortable as writing in a regular paper notebook. Not only do old habits die hard, there are studies that show handwriting improves memory retention(1) in part because there is more time to think while writing than typing. And if you’re sharing your notes, you can convert your writing text for easier readability.

Latency, the delay for the image to show up while writing, has been reduced to a hard-to-notice 9 ms – and the haptic of friction and sound while writing now means that taking notes on a tablet provides an experience which closely mirrors the feeling of writing on paper. It feels good.

What about the magic? The “S” pen includes sensors that detect motion enabling shortcuts for your workflow and a click button which offers remote control for your camera and presentations.

Enjoy a better, brighter screen

Have you ever been working on a laptop outside and been frustrated because it was difficult to see the screen? Samsung has brought the QLED technology pioneered in its television lineup to laptops for a portable cinematic viewing quality.

Galaxy Book Ion on a patio chair showing the easy to see screen
QLED stands for quantum dot LED (light-emitting diode). According to CNET, “Quantum dots are microscopic nanocrystals that glow a specific wavelength (i.e. color) when given energy.”(2) It’s this extra light that gives the screen a brightness boost making it easy to see in the most illuminated rooms. An “Outdoor Mode” kicks the light up even further with a function key.
First introduced in May 2020, the Galaxy Book Ion is a beautifully crafted, sleek and slim, less-than-a-kilogram light laptop with a battery that will carry you through your day and then some. The extra bright screen and easy portability open up more workspace possibilities.

Step Two – Pick a posture.

Comfort is a key ingredient for maximum productivity and performance. If we are uncomfortable, it is a real-time distraction and what I call “energy thief” and can also be the beginnings of a long-term injury. Paying attention to the ergonomics of each environment for each person cannot be overlooked and one size does not fit all. That said, there are more options than you might think for working effectively. Here are some thoughts to consider.

a) Sitting

Student desk, chair and office supplies
Photo: Staples Canada

Let’s tackle the most obvious work posture first. Whether at a desk or a table, make sure your wrists are flat when using your keyboard. This might mean raising the chair. If your feet are now dangling, add a footrest. A footrest not only supports your legs, it helps keep you sitting properly with your lower back against the back of the chair. If you are not feeling the chair back when fully in the seat, add a pillow or lumbar support. Note that women have deeper curves in their lumbar area of the spine and will likely need more support than men.

If you’re using a computer for longer than an hour, invest in a separate wireless keyboard and mouse, as well as a laptop stand to place the screen at a more comfortable viewing height and distance. Your neck will thank you.

Staples Canada has many affordable chair and desk options to choose from. If you’ve been struggling to make do, it could be time to create another workstation to keep everyone comfortable.

b) Standing
Create standing workstations to not only ease the pressure on your sitting stations and on your backs! When setting up a standing station, follow the guidance above with respect to flat wrists while keyboarding and placing the screen in the right place. An anti-fatigue mat (or what I use, a pair of cork-soled Birkenstocks) will keep you more comfortable, as will the use of a footrest to raise one leg, keeping your lower spine happy.

c) Moving
Research from Stanford University confirms that creativity increases significantly while you’re walking (3)…and shortly afterward, no matter whether it’s indoors or out. Think about what can be accomplished while walking. Voice recording your thoughts is a wonderful way to capture new ideas.

Reclining on a sofa using a tablet

d) Reclining
Though reclining during the day has the air of appearing unprofessional to some, we may be compromising our most profound thinking in what I call “Mind Wandering” time. It’s also the perfect posture when you want to relax and take some pressure off your spine. Working from home, you’ve never been closer to a comfy sofa or your bed. Arianna Huffington, now chief of Thrive Global, and I agree, you should have places to relax and rest at work (4). It’s part of sustaining your performance. Be careful not to overdo it though and create an association with work in your bedroom as it might affect your ability to fall asleep. (5)

Step 3 – Respect preferences and privacy.

As human animals,  we have different sensitivities to our surroundings and to be most productive these need to be respected. You might not feel bothered by visual stimulation (clutter), noise, or the energy of other people, but some in your family may be. In general, it is an act of love to cater to the most sensitive amongst you.

a) Organize your space to reduce visual stimulation.

Blush coloured desk organizer
Create order on your desk, behind workspaces (for the camera) and in front to avoid distractions. Desk organizers keep supplies handy and tidy. They also save space by storing items vertically thereby using a smaller footprint.

b) Make it easy to tidy up.

Top shelf of rolling cart with desk organizer and headphones
Use a rolling cart to help create an instant office in another room. This cart with three levels has ample storage for supplies, reference materials, and healthy snacks.

c) Curate your soundscape.
We have different preferences for sounds while we work. Some love the clamour of a coffee shop, something the free version Noisli provides, along with a variety of more soothing sounds like rain, streams, and a crackling fire. Other more recently developed sites such as the straight-forwardly named Sound of Colleagues provide recordings of all sorts of office noises to help cue you to get to work…or if you’re like me, remind me just why I wanted to work from home so much in the first place. Thank goodness there was no sound of nail clipping, something one of my colleagues used to do regularly. I wish I was kidding.

For many students and workers, it is necessary to mask other sounds. Making an investment in noise-canceling headphones is your best bet to eliminate unwanted sounds as you can keep your listening volume lower. For growing kids, headphones that cap the sound volume to 85 decibels are a help. In 2015, the World Health Organization pointed out that over 1.1 billion young people may be at risk of hearing loss because of “unsafe listening practices” (6), so when you use headphones, pay attention to safe volumes.

Step 4 – Cocreate a family schedule

With all these insights and options, avoid any last-minute conflicts by discussing your needs and preferred workspaces as part of a regular #hometeam meeting. I recommend once a week, on the weekend or at the start of the week. It is an appropriate time to review your commitments and work together to help each other achieve your objectives in the most comfortable and productive places to work.

For more tips, visit www.clarekumar.com/workfromhome
And if you want to work through any of this with a coach, it would be my pleasure to assist. Good luck on the journey.

 

Sources
1. The Benefits of Handwriting
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/apr18/vol75/num07/The-Magic-of-Writing-Stuff-Down.aspx

2. Quantum Dots
https://www.cnet.com/news/quantum-dots-how-nanocrystals-can-make-lcd-tvs-better/

3. Boost Creativity While Walking
https://news.stanford.edu/2014/04/24/walking-vs-sitting-042414/

4. Rest and Recline at Work
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/thrive-nap-room-coco-mat-arianna-huffington

5. Working in the Bedroom Might Challenge Your Sleep
http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/getting/overcoming/tips”>

6. Teens at Risk of Hearing Loss
https://globalnews.ca/news/5307570/headphones-earbuds-hearing-loss/

New Programs to Help you Work From Home – Better!

 

Whether you have traded your commute for greater self-care through sleep and exercise, spending more time with your family, or having richer relationships, making working from home work can make life a whole lot better.

I have long believed that the ability to work from home effectively, at least part of the time, is the key to successful work-life integration. Now that we are experiencing the most massive work-life integration with work literally landing in our living rooms, I want it to be such a smooth and fruitful experience that those who wish to continue will receive the full support of their organizations to do so. There are some long-standing challenges to working from home such as staying adequately connected to your workteam, making sure communication doesn’t go off the rails, and even avoiding overwork.

 

To that end, I’ve created a few offerings to help:

 

 

The QUICK FIX Work From Home – Better! Course

Why QUICK FIX? Because it can be completed in only a few hours. I see creating a series of QUICK FIX courses, so if the ideal appeals to you, let me know what other topics you’d like to see covered.

You’ll learn how to set an intention for your work from home experience, how to take care of your #hometeam – of which you are a member!, how to communicate more effectively and more.

The course is “easy-to-absorb”, practical and engaging. I’ve included coaching questions throughout the 6 modules and shot 20 videos to bring the topic to life. It’s the next best thing to working with me.

Participants say the course helped them feel less stress, park guilt, and have more energy!

Don’t delay. Take advantage of introductory pricing through May 31, 2020 when the prices jump up to $97 US.

Find out more here.

 

Corporate Work From Home Success Programs

To help individuals and leaders, I’ve created two different programs to build skills specific to remote working and to leading teams. There are a few truths to acknowledge:

a) you don’t know what you don’t know – so you might not even be aware there are things you can do better

b) even if you think you need help, how many people are comfortable raising their hands to ask? Make it by offering support. Even better, make it mandatory so everyone has the same understanding and no one is left out.

c) once poor habits form, they become harder to break,  so giving people the support early can help avoid counter-productive practices

 

Early participants say that the facilitated discussions helped dramatically boost team connection. Poignant conversations that may never have happened did. The team felt supported.

I’ve already been hearing some trepidation from clients about having to return to the way things were. Quell those nerves now with practical support for your team.

Book a chat with me to learn more about these trust-building, productivity-boosting workshops.

 

My big belief is that the more we can sustain our energy, the more we can keep giving, thereby living fulfilling lives. I’m here to support you and your team on your journey.

 

3 ways to be more productive this year

 

This is a sponsored post. To a view one of the media clips in which I bring these tips to life, scroll down! As always, opinions are my own.

 

No matter that we can choose to start a new habit, routine or behaviour at any time, the start of a new year often prompts greater reflection and the setting of resolutions for the year to come. Sadly, the majority of people don’t keep their resolutions.1 So, is there a better way?

As a productivity coach, I work with motivated people to help them achieve the results they are looking for. Over the years I have noticed, and studies confirm2, that the more clearly we can articulate what we want to achieve the more likely we are to achieve it.

You will have likely heard of SMART goals – those which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-sensitive. Thinking through these details helps us get clear on exactly what we will do it and when we will do it.

Most effective is defining the set of small, repeatable actions you can take.  If you will – think it, then shrink it. Make getting started so small it is laughable to ignore it. Consistency in effort will get you there.

Traditionally, top resolutions have included eating better, losing weight, exercising more and getting organized. If you are motivated to lose weight, for example, this will effectively include several behaviours which really add up to a revised lifestyle. In fact, small positive changes in one area often lead to positive changes in another. I call this an upward spiral of momentum.

 

More colourful office supplies

 

In my model, the ABC’s of Behaviour Change (post to come!), C stands for Cultivate – creating a supportive environment both physically and in terms of the people around you. You will also benefit from using the right tools. Staples Canada has a huge variety of stylish and innovative products to help you meet your goals: planners and calendars to record and importantly schedule your intentions, Swell water bottles to keep you hydrated on the go or at your desk, glamorous Bugatti lunch bags in rose gold to make it more exciting to bring in a healthy lunch, tech tools such as headphones to keep you focused, the FitBit Charge 3 to help track your sleep and exercise, and the Microsoft Surface Pen to take more effective handwritten notes.

 

Variety of food on a tea towel with vegetable print
Variety of Plant-Based foods from President”s Choice.

Perhaps you want to be more mindful about what you eat. If you’re like the 38% of Canadians who are interested in adding more plant-based food to their diets3, whether it be for incredibly popular #meatlessmondays or any day of the week, you’ll want to check out President’s Choice’s new line of Plant-Based foods.

Breaded chicken-less strips in a whole wheat wrap
Breaded chicken-less strips in a whole wheat wrap with chipotle infused mayo-style spread and fresh veggies.

Consider this meal idea: corn, carrot and kale veggie bites with cashew dip, followed by a wrap filled with breaded chickenless strips, lettuce, and peppers plus a dash of mayo-style spread infused with chipotle sauce (my add), followed by a creamy coconut-based blueberry yogurt with additional fresh berries. Eating plant-based is easier than you think!

President’s Choice Veggie Bites

 

 

 

Handbag, small purse and jewelry
An example of items that sell well on ebay.

Do you have a pile of things at home that you no longer think of as treasures which would absolutely delight others? If they are nagging at you, in a conversation you’d like to stop, invest some time and energy to not only free up space but turn your stash into cash by selling them online. If you’re looking to maximize reach, list on ebay.ca to put your item in front of millions of buyers (over 183 million, globally) in either an auction format or for a fixed price. At www.ebay.ca/sell you’ll find helpful tips to let you know what buyers are looking for, help make shipping decisions and more. Take clear pictures, write a simple, descriptive headline, and list.

 

No matter what you want more or less of this year, take the time to get specific and you’ll be well on your way.

 

 

Watch as I Annette Goerner and I discuss these tips on CTV Morning Live in Ottawa.

 

Sources

  1. https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/canadians-quick-make-new-years-resolutions-slow-see-them-through
  2. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/achieving_your_goals_an_evidence_based_approach
  3. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/the-president-s-choice-r-brand-puts-a-plant-based-twist-on-beloved-thanksgiving-classics-831951258.html

 

 

Etiquette for Your Next Office Holiday Party

multi-racial group at party drinking champagne

You’ve probably seen a few faux pas at work holiday events, but office celebrations are an incredible opportunity to put your best foot forward and connect with a broader circle of colleagues than normal. Here’s how to make the most of the party and make sure you’re remembered for the right reasons this season.

WHAT TO DO…

  1. Set an intention for the event. Who would you like to meet? What do you want them to remember about you? Being thoughtful about what you’d like the outcome of the party (or any meeting) to be sets you up for success.
  2. Get to know your colleagues better. This is a time to relax and talk about more than work. Inquire about hobbies, an upcoming vacation, favourite foods or music. You might find you have more in common than you think.
  3. Make a positive lasting impression. Dress well and in a colour that complements you and makes you feel fantastic. Clothes can make an easy entry point for conversation.
  4. Stand up for your colleagues if there is any even mildly negative behavior such as bullying or harassment.
  5. If you see that someone has drunk too much, offer water and to arrange a ride home.

WHAT NOT TO DO!

  1. Feel pressured or pressure others to consume alcohol or eat all the sweets. Indulge responsibly. There may be someone in your circle who is trying to avoid these things. Make it easy for them!
  2. Don’t tell off-colour jokes which may be offensive.
  3. Avoid getting deep into a work conversation. This is not the time or place.
  4. Don’t eat all the gluten-free treats if you’re not following a gluten-free diet. The same applies to other items which may have been prepared for a select few.

IN THE NEWS: ETIQUETTE FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES

Holiday work party etiquette

Overall, relax and have a great time!

I work with organizations to deliver sustainable performance even around holiday season!  If you know of a forward-thinking company who wants to achieve objectives and help their leaders and teams avoid disengagement and burnout, book a Discovery Call to learn more about a range of engaging talks and effective coaching and consulting.

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